Saturday 19 October 2013

Baby, Baby, Baby, NOOOOOOO! - A quick guide to contraception

"EEEWWWW WHY WOULD YOU WRITE ABOUT THIS?!" you're probably screaming! But it recently came to my attention that not many girls know about the multiple methods of contraception available to us! I have a contraceptive implant in my arm, and so many people touch it and scream about how disgusting it is without knowing the benefits of other contraceptive methods other than the pill. Nobody wants an unwanted infection from a sexual encounter, or a little version of themselves to look after 9 months afterwards...
So AFS is here to shake loose all shame and get you informed, so you can make the safest and best suited choice for you!

http://i.imgur.com/v9dOVc3.gif

NOTE: please not that there is no form on contraception that is 100%. Please use caution and good judgement when making decisions regarding your sexual health . 




Condoms:
Condoms - Condom Vending Machines

Like a little rubber hat for the male in this equation, condoms work by catching sperm as it is released and stopping it from entering the baby making engine of the female.

Pros:
  • 98% effective. 
  • Available in almost every supermarket or drug store.
  • You can pick up free condoms from most sexual health clinics. 
  • Protects against STI's if used correctly. 
  • No advanced preparation needed to use.
  • Various choices. (Latex free, flavored, ribbed... you know!)

Cons:
  • 2% ineffective
  • Risk of splitting of tearing, rendering the whole thing useless
  • Some people are allergic to latex. (Best to ask first to avoid embarrassment later!)
  • Damage can occur when used with oil-based lubricants




The Pill
Contraceptive pills increase the size of certain parts of women’s brains, improving memory and social skills, scientists believe. 

The pill uses synthetic versions of the female hormones to prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg. They can come in packs of three weeks to allow you time off for your period, or as a running cycle.

Pros:
  • 99% effective
  •  Can help regulate and even lighten your periods
  • Reduces risk of ovarian, colon and womb cancers
  • Can help reduce symptoms of PMS, acne and polycystic ovarian syndrome
Cons:
  • 1% ineffective
  • Does not protect against STI's
  • The pill must be taken at the same time each day, otherwise an egg may be released and your contraceptive cover is gone.
  •  May increase blood pressure
  •  Has been linked to increase risk of thrombosis and breast cancer




 Contraceptive Implant

 

This is what I have! The implant works by inserting a small flexible tube under the skin of your upper arm (inserted by a professional of course!), and slowly releasing progesterone into your body. This hormone things the lining of your womb so a released egg will not fertilize. 

Pros:
  • 99% effective
  • Lasts for 3 years
  • Can be easily removed if you are not comfortable with it
  • Periods may stop altogether
Cons:
  • 1% ineffective
  • Effectiveness varies between people. Periods may stop completely (as in my case), but may infact make them heavier and more painful (as in a friends case)
  • People always want to touch it!!
  • Needs to be inserted by a needle (but they numb it first so just don't look!) 



The Injection
We all know what injections look like, and mot people hate them! So instead, here is a gif of pandas on a slide!
http://i.imgur.com/VFjy4.gif 


This method involves being injected in either the bottom or the upper arm with progesterone. This treatment can last between 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the type of injection - all which will be clarified by the administrating healthcare professional.

Pros:
  • 99% effective
  • 8-12 week working period
  • Not affected by other medication
Cons:
  • 1% ineffective
  • Not always viable to get an injection every 2 months
  • side effects may include weight gains and irregular bleedin
  • Fertility may take up to 1 year to return after last injection wears off
  • Does not protect against STIs

For more information about any of the mentioned contraceptives and many more methods, visit http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/contraception-guide/Pages/what-is-contraception.aspx


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